Φεβ252026

European Parliament presents ideas to respond to EU housing crisis

On 9 February, the Special Committee on Housing of the European Parliament adopted, by a large majority, the recommendations of Rapporteur Gimenez Larraz (EPP-ES) on the housing crisis in the EU. The report, which incorporated a number of demands from the S&D and Renew Europe groups, was supported by a pro-European majority, as well as by the ECR Group. The Left and the Greens/EFA opposed and the PfE abstained.
Several recommendations throughout the report reflect FIEC messages and proposals. A great emphasis is namely put on the European Commission’s Strategy for Housing Construction. Amongst others, Members of the European Parliament recognise the main drivers which led to scarce housing availability and higher prices and call for boosting the supply through increased productivity, faster (permitting) procedures, digitalisation, greater mobility of construction workers, increased investment and a focus on buildings’ energy efficiency and quality.The report is now expected to be adopted by the European Parliament during the March plenary session (10-12 March 2026).

EU foreign ministers fail to clinch 20th Russia sanctions package

EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels on 23 February 2026 did not reach unanimity on the bloc’s 20th sanctions package against Russia, as Hungary’s resistance (and continued outreach also to Slovakia) prevented agreement ahead of the 24 February war anniversary, marking the 4th year since the beginning of the war.

EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, called the lack of agreement “a setback,” while stressing that work will continue to secure consensus. The proposed package is expected to further tighten pressure on Russia, including measures linked to energy revenues and the shadow fleet (and potentially additional sectoral restrictions).

Despite the stalemate on the “20th Package”, ministers did move ahead with additional human-rights-related listings targeting Russian officials, underscoring that sanctions decisions remain possible when unanimity is achievable.

Why it matters

  • The EU’s sanctions policy requires unanimity, making the package vulnerable to a single-member veto.
  • The blockage also feeds into a wider political fight over EU support measures for Ukraine, including debate around a €90 billion loan referenced in reporting and in the FAC press conference Q&A.
What to watch next
  • Continued diplomatic outreach to secure a deal in the coming days/weeks.
  • Whether leaders can decouple decisions (or find procedural workarounds) to avoid delays on urgent Ukraine-related support
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FIEC attends Business Europe event on simplification

On 18 February, FIEC attended an event organised by Business Europe to exchange about simplification in the field of social affairs. Together with Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, representatives of employers discussed competitiveness, the upcoming Quality Jobs Act, implementation of existing rules and regulatory burden.

Business Europe also published its key priorities to simplify EU social legislation which include digitalisation in the field of labour mobility and targeted amendments to some legislations.

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3-4 March, 2026: European Employment and Social Rights Forum

On 3 and 4 March, the European Commission is organising the European Employment and Social Rights Forum in Brussels and online.

The discussion will be organised around three main themes: quality jobs, the fight against poverty and fair labour mobility. Representatives of the European Commission, European Parliament and social partners will attend this event.

Several sessions will also focus on the Pact for Skills.
At this link, you can still register to attend online or in person.

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EU legislative initiative on Climate Resilience

On 23 February, FIEC submitted its views to the European Commission on the forthcoming legislative initiative aimed at strengthening climate resilience. In addition to climate mitigation efforts, the European Union seeks to promote effective climate adaptation measures to address the impacts of climate change through the planned European Climate Resilience Framework.

The legislative proposal is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. FIEC previously contributed to the Call for Evidence in September last year, and will continue to monitor developments closely.

We look forward to maintaining a constructive dialogue with political decision-makers to ensure that the priorities of the construction sector are fully reflected.

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